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The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) has confirmed that head coach Rudi Garcia’s contract will not be extended beyond the 2026 World Cup. Despite leading the Red Devils to the quarter-finals in North America, both parties have agreed to part ways.
End of an 18 month era
Garcia and the URBSFA will not extend the contract which runs until July 31. Garcia took office on February 1, 2025 as the successor to Domenico Tedesco.
Under his technical leadership, the Red Devils secured their place in League A of the UEFA Nations League and qualified for the 2026 World Cup, where they embarked on a race to the quarter-finals.
The move marks the conclusion of a tenure that lasted exactly 18 months, during which Garcia was tasked with stabilizing a team in transition.
While the team showed brilliance during the tournament in North America, the federation decided to go in a different direction for the next qualifying cycle.
Reflecting on a World Cup course
The Frenchman’s last match was a dramatic affair where he felt luck was not on his team’s side following significant injuries and controversial calls from the referees.
In their 2-1 quarter-final defeat to eventual tournament winners Spain, the Red Devils were forced to be without captain Youri Tielemans due to injury, while talisman Kevin De Bruyne was also forced to retire late in the match.
Reflecting on his departure, Garcia expressed gratitude for the opportunity and the relationships he built with the players and staff.
“After discussions with the URBSFA, we have decided not to extend the excellent journey we have shared over the last 18 months. I leave Belgium in League A of the UEFA Nations League and among the eight best teams in the world,” Garcia said.
“I would like to thank my exceptional group of players, sporting director Vincent Mannaert, and the fans who have supported us throughout this World Cup. I wish Belgium every success in continuing the generational transition that I was proud to help initiate.”
Mannaert praises Garcia’s impact
Vincent Mannaert, sporting director of the URBSFA, highlighted the positive influence of the French tactician during his short stint with the national team. Mannaert emphasized that Garcia was brought in at a time when the team needed experienced leadership to navigate a difficult environment.
“Rudi Garcia undoubtedly played a key role in the recovery of the Belgian Red Devils. He was appointed national coach in a difficult sporting and financial context. Thanks in particular to his commitment and his experience, the cohesion of the team was restored and a good result was obtained during the last FIFA World Cup”, underlined Mannaert.
Looking to the future
This departure comes at a symbolic moment for Belgian football, since several members of the famous “Golden Generation” have probably played their last minutes in a major tournament.
Belgium’s immediate future involves home games against heavyweights France and Italy later this year as they continue their Nations League journey. Mannaert confirmed that the search for a successor to Garcia was already underway.
“With my team, I am currently preparing a new cycle, including the appointment of a new national coach,” added Mannaert.
